Booklist calls A BOOK OF MAPS FOR YOU, illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III, “a useful, creative addition to elementary-school map units” in starred review

Apr. 2025. 40p. Holiday/Neal Porter, $18.99 (9780823455706). K–Gr. 3

A child’s handmade book of maps and drawings of their house, neighborhood, elementary school, park, and small town makes up this imaginative offering. On some of the maps and other drawings, captions point out need-to-know features, such as why Friday lunches in school cafeteria are great: “double-cheese pizza and orangeade ices.” Some maps are laid out like floor plans, while others offer bird’s-eye views of outdoor locations. All are full of color and interesting details, such as the house that goes “all out” with Halloween decorations. On the overhead view of the maze at the park is the challenge, “Can you find your way out?” The virtual tour of the town includes the child’s bedroom, which has a skylight that’s perfect for viewing the sky at night. A bittersweet reveal confirms that the mapmaker's family is moving away and the maps are for a new kid to enjoy. This picture book combines a fresh idea with engaging illustrations, which include a fanciful “pirate map.” The narrative and the illustrations, created with pens, watercolors, and colored pencils, are convincingly childlike as well as fun. A useful, creative addition to elementary-school map units and a thoughtful project idea for kids.